Hey Sean,I have been using a Certate 4000 for plugging for about 4+ years now. I just sent it in to have the gears replaced and it's like new again. The reel is good enough in my opinion that I bought a second one, got a great deal on it too, to use for a back up. The reel has been terrific, smooth drag, solid feel to it, strong gearing. I also purchased the RCS machined handle to use in place of the folding handle. The only negative to this is that the machined handle does not collapse in any way, so it's a little bulky.

I'm not sure, but they may be discontinuing/upgrading the Certate line so prices may be well worth it.

Aloha,

Mark

Hey Guys!

I am considering a Daiwa Certate 3500 for some of my "lighter duty" jigging and casting applications. Anyone have any thoughts on the reel? Any opinions or reviews? Thanks!

You will want a Daiwa Certate 3500HD or Certate Hyper Custom 3500/4000 for jigging and casting game use. Those two reels employ the Hyper Digigear vs standard Digigear in the regular Certates. Much stronger gear alloys and more durability allows you to fish it longer and harder. If you can afford it, it's better to get the new 08 Stella SW 5000 for this application. Alternatively, if you must go Daiwa and cost is not an issue, the Daiwa Saltiga Game 3500 is also very good for this app.

Thank you for the replies guys. I am not set on a Daiwa. I would love to get a Stella SW4000 or 5000 but just can't justify the expense of it. This reel would very rarely even see Saltwater. I thought about a Stella FA, but they are a little difficult to find. Shimano Twinpower / Sustain is another possibility. Any others anyone can think of? I am looking to keep this in the $300 range.

Thank you for the replies guys. I am not set on a Daiwa. I would love to get a Stella SW4000 or 5000 but just can't justify the expense of it. This reel would very rarely even see Saltwater. I thought about a Stella FA, but they are a little difficult to find. Shimano Twinpower / Sustain is another possibility. Any others anyone can think of? I am looking to keep this in the $300 range.

You're in luck! This guy has 2 Stella 5000FA's for sale. His price is very steep, but make him your own offer as he is willing it seems:

Thank you very much to all who replied. I do like the Certates a lot. I will have to see what shakes out. Right now I have found a Stella 4000FA that I have an offer in on. We'll see! Again, thanks to all.

Oz gets the regular ones which include the 3500HD model as well as the hypers which are the same bodies but all shiny and with 12 or so sets of all corrosion resistent bearings and saltiga material gears :-)